Meaning of no holds barred | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Without restrictions on holds or what opponents may do.
   not-comparable
2. Having absolutely no limits or restrictions as far as the levels and nature of one's hostilities and offense; taking to an especially ruthless or vicious manner.
   figuratively, not-comparable

Equivalents

Examples

“a no holds barred match”

“Near-synonyms: unrestrained, unrestricted, unreserved, unconstrained, cutthroat”

“a no holds barred debating style that quickly transformed into cheap shots and bickering”

“There isn’t much reason to be optimistic about thoughtful dialogue in this general election. Both sides are girded for a negative, no-holds-barred slugfest.”

“Among them was Ryan Ferchaud, 37, a tourist from Memphis who mostly faulted groups of college students for what she said was their no-holds-barred attitude regarding the mayhem.”

““But the Russian doctrine of mass firing and no holds barred was visible in Chechnya, and there is the potential that Russia will get its act together tactically, and that will result in mass fire against population centers.””

CEFR level